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Chicago winters may be brutal but you can’t beat our summers! We are so fortunate to be able to cool down in the warm weather with our backyard pool. I like to think paradise awaits 10 steps from the house.
Over the years we have finally figured out the key essentials for our pool investment. Trying these ‘must haves’ has given us a safe, clean pool that provides long-lasting memories with my family. Which is the best must-have of all!!
20 Backyard Pool Must Haves
Pool maintenance
Whether you do it yourself or hire this out, pool maintenance is a critical step for any pool owner. Clean and balanced water is essential in a pool maintenance routine. Tasks such as skimming debris from the water’s surface, vacuuming, testing the water, and adding any needed chemicals are part of the maintenance process.
You could certainly learn to maintain your pool yourself, but we find value in opening our pool cover and knowing it will always be crystal clear and ready to swim!
Safety items
Adult supervision is the best supervision for children around the pool, but you should also have a few other safety items around your backyard pool. A ring buoy can easily be thrown at someone in need.
For marking off the deep end of the pool, use a rope and float line. Last but not least, every pool area needs to have a first aid kit. All of these safety items should be in a well-marked accessible area.
Floats
I love sitting on the water in a favorite pool float to keep cool. Not to mention they are always a hit with the kiddos! From rafts to rings, to chairs most floats are easy to inflate and store when not used.
You can find floats for every budget, some that are super reasonable to more investment-worthy styles that may last a little longer!
Beach Towels
A pool owner can never have too many towels to dry off your pool guests. My favorite towels are the oversized, absorbent ones that come in different colors.
They’re also perfect to lay on the loungers when we are out of the pool.
Poolside Chairs
A backyard pool area is not just for splashing around, it’s for relaxing as well. Having enough seating around your pool is essential for getting the most out of your pool experience.
We chose these sling chairs since we have a grass surrounding, and didn’t want anything too bulky killing the grass.
Water toys
Water toys help to keep my backyard pool more interesting for my family. Our favorites are ring toss, dive rings and water volleyball.
We can spend hours playing and laughing when we bring the water toys out.
Sun protection
Sunscreen is important to help protect skin from damaging UV rays. Products like creams, sprays and clothing help to shield our skin from sun damage.
I find sunscreen in a spray form, is the easiest to apply on my family. Look for sun protection in a broad spectrum with an SPF of 30 or higher when around the pool and reapply after extended outdoor activity.
Pool ladder
Whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool, a ladder is a necessary piece of pool equipment. Look for ladders that are sturdy, practical, and nice to look at.
Chaise lounge
A chaise lounge is commonly found around a backyard pool. These chairs are typically long and sit close to the ground.
Chaise lounge chairs are perfect for enjoying the sun or for watching the kids splash around in the pool. Plus, the chairs come in a variety of materials suitable for outdoor enjoyment.
Pool vacuum
Traditional pool vacuums are starting to be replaced with robotic pool vacuums and for good reason. Not only are they super convenient as compared to a pressured pool vacuum, but the robotic options don’t run off the pool pump as traditional pool vacuums do.
This is a huge benefit when it comes to saving money from not having to run your pool pump as much.
Pool fence
A pool fence is the number one defense to keep children and unwanted guests away from the pool area. Pools that are built in the ground, must be enclosed by a fence.
Fencing is also required on above-ground pools depending on the depth of the water.
Skimmer
A skimmer is essential for clean and clear pool water. Basically, a skimmer takes in pool water, cleans it, and then pushes the clean filtered water back out into the pool.
You will find most inground pools have built-in skimmers. You can also get a handheld skimmer to collect any debris on the surface of your pool water.
Bluetooth Speaker
We love to play music when we are around the pool. My Bluetooth speaker is perfect for poolside.
Look for speakers that are waterproof so there is no need to worry should they get wet from all the splashing.
Water games
We always try to incorporate water games for all ages when we are in the pool. We find that we can do a lot with some inflatable water balls and a net.
Basketball in the pool with a net on the edge is another favorite for kids, big and small.
Pool alarm
Pool alarms won’t keep others out of the pool but will alert you when it detects that someone is near or in your pool. In addition, pool alarms are an extra layer of security for pool owners especially ones with children and pets.
Noodles
No backyard pool is complete without some pool noodles, right? In an array of bright colors, the noodles are perfect for lounging, games and even exercising.
What makes them outlast some other pool flotations is that they are made from an extra dense foam which creates a more buoyant pool noodle.
Table and Chairs
Having tables and chairs set up near or around your backyard pool provides another place to entertain or relax when not swimming. I’m a big fan of these sling-back chairs. They recline and they are easy to move around.
Drink holders
Another beverage? Yes please.
Floating drink holders are the best! These mini drink floats can keep you hydrated while you are in the pool and spa.
Chiller
Not only do our beverages need to be chilled on a hot summer day but so does the pool water. A pool chiller is an electric machine that cools the pool water down by circulating the water.
Did you know that circulating pool water will naturally lower the temperature of your pool?
Pool cover
The most popular pool cover these days is a solar blanket. Solar blankets help heat all types of pools using solar energy and help reduce the evaporation of your pool water. Keep in mind, this cover is just about reducing your heating or gas costs, it is not meant as a safety mechanism.
When we decided to put in our pool, our number one must-have was a pool cover. Our cover is controlled by a keypad and code which only my husband and I know for now. If the pool is closed (which it always is when we aren’t actually using it), we have complete peace of mind that nothing is falling in the pool.
It also keeps critters and bugs out of the pool, and during chilly nights keeps the heat from leaving. Automatic pool covers can be expensive, I believe ours was in the neighborhood of $15,000 but it was an absolute must-have while we had small children who couldn’t swim. The peace of mind has been 100% worth the cost in my opinion!
I hope these 20 backyard pool must haves have given you an idea of the items that are essential to enjoying your pool for years to come. Who’s ready to jump in?
Pool Accessories For Adults
Pool Hammock
If you’ve never tried a pool hammock, then put it on your list for this Summer! These pool accessories are all the rage right now and there’s nothing better than kicking your feet up in a hammock with a cold drink, especially by a swimming pool!
Beer Pong Pool Float
A floating beer pong set will allow you to take the fun of pong, anywhere! Invite your besties over and start a floating beer pong tournament for endless Summer fun!
Slim Can Cooler
In the heat of Summer, it’s always important to keep your drinks cold. So why not try out these slim can coolers?!
They’ll keep your drink icy cold while you float through the water.
Floating Cooler
You know when you’re floating and relaxing in your pool and then you finish your drink and have to decide if it’s worth it to get out and get another one? Well with a floating cooler, you won’t have to!
Keep your drinks cool and within arms reach at all times!
Pool Lights
Elevate your night swimming experience with some cool pool lighting! You can find plenty of option online with lot of funky lighting options for your next pool party.
Floating Putting Green
Get your practice in even on your days away from the golf course with a floating putting green. The water makes it extra challenging and with enough practice you can really up your game.
Swimming Pool Yoga Mats
Up your yoga game with the additional challenge of balancing on moving water! It’s not for the faint of heart but it’s a killer way to get a workout in while enjoying the sunshine.
Pool Barbells
Although a pool is used primarily for fun, you can also use it for fitness! Pool Barbells are a great option for any adult wanting to incorporate strength training into their water workout routine.
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